------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * * * * * ANNUAL GOANETTERS MEET * * * * * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goanetters in Goa and visiting meet Jan 6, 2009 at 3.30 pm at Hotel Mandovi (prior to the Goa Sudharop event, which you're also welcome to). Join in for a Dutch dinner -- if we can agree on a venue after the meet. RSVP (confirmations only) 9822122436 or 2409490 or f...@goa-india.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Socorro residents object to conversion of football ground HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, jan 1, 2009 Residents of Carrem-Socorro are up in arms over the conversion of the football ground and the surrounding area in Carrem into residential plots by Serula Communidade. On getting the information that the Serula Communidade has started the work of developing roads inside the plots, the villagers rushed to the site and did not allow the attorney of Serula Communidade from carrying out asphalting work. Speaking to Herald, Serula communidade Attorney Agnel Lobo said that the communidade has obtained provisional NOC from the Town and Country Planning Department for the development of plots and the final NOC will be issued by TCP after completion of the roads. "Serula Communidade is constructing houses for the economically backward classes and will be allotted to those who reside within the jurisdiction of Serula Communidade," said Lobo. He further said that the communidade has set aside 4,800 sq mtrs of land for the football ground, 1,000 sq mtrs for the primary school and the remaining area is being converted into plots for the construction of houses. Kishor Assnodker of Socorro said that state level sports events have taken place on the football ground and they had submitted a memorandum with the signatures of 500 villagers to the government with a request to restrict Serula Communidade from converting the ground and surrounding area into plots, but in vain. Former Socorro Sarpanch Seby Mendonsa said that the communidade is planning to construct about 60 houses in the area without creating any infrastructure. "Socorro has been facing water shortage and collection of garbage problems. The garbage will flow down the plateau during rainy season, which will pollute the wells," said Mendonsa. "The residents residing beneath the plateau will face the problem of drinking water and in view of this, the development of residential plots should not be allowed," he added. Socorro Sarpanch Kirti Assnodker said that Serula Communidade has not obtained the permission from the panchayat for the conversion of the area into plots and hence the conversion is illegal. Wilbur Ticlo stated that in 2007, they had objected to the conversion of the area into residential plots and had also requested the government to reserve it for sports, recreational and cultural activities for the residents. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=14822&cid=26